Hello, Poverty rate is 7.5%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,626 for rent here. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up.
8 upvotes
10 Replies
Emilia Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 42, moved here 14 years ago from LA. I've lived in Midtown and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The nightlife situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from LA, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
40 upvotes
Andrew Price
Bought a house here in 2021 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
38 upvotes
dcnative2021
Bought a house here in 2021 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone about the same since then.
32 upvotes
Skylar Flores
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
29 upvotes
Aaliyah
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Theodore T.
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Lakewood area are tough. Kids love it here.
28 upvotes
Logan
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Vietnamese places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
26 upvotes
Jace Foster
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
10 upvotes
Ava S.
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
8 upvotes
happy_anna77
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 53, moved here 3 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in The Heights and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Pittsburgh, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
All Countries
